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Reno-Tahoe Won’t Host 2022 Winter Olympics After USOC Passes On Bid

TAHOE (CBS13) – Reno-Tahoe’s hopes of hosting the Winter Olympics in 2022 has died. The United States Olympic Committee announced it won’t bid on the 2022 Winter Games. Instead, they will work on bids for the 2024 Summer Games or 2026 Winter Games.

The last time the U.S. hosted the Olympics was a decade ago in Salt Lake City.

In a statement today, the committee’s CEO said hosting the games is still of great importance, but they believe waiting will give the U.S. the best chance to be chosen.

California and Nevada had been working together to bring the games back to the area, which last saw the Olympics at Squaw Valley in 1960.

“The Lake Tahoe region is one of America’s greatest natural gems, and we believe that its place as a Winter sports destination remains unparalleled,” said Squaw Valley CBE Andy Wirth. “While the USOC has chosen not to pursue the 2022 Winter Olympics, I believe, as does our board of directors, that we have laid the groundwork for a return of the Olympic Flame to this region and to our very own Olympic Valley in the future.”

California’s Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom also released a statement saying, “I am disappointed with the decision today. Should the committee choose to bid for the 2024 Summer Games, California has three exceptional options in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.”